Take Bull by the horns in lovely Lowick

TRAVELLING via the A697 in dismal weather with high winds and continual drizzle, we were glad when we approached Lowick.

It was midday, so we decided to stop for Sunday lunch at The Black Bull, located at the west end of Lowick’s Main Street.

The pub was built in the 17th century and retains a great deal of old charm, with original beams and a welcoming open fire.

There is ample car parking space and we were met by a very kind, courteous gentleman who showed us to a seat in the bar and gave us the menu. There were so many delicious main courses to choose from, it took us some time to decide, but eventually we chose the special Sunday lunch menu.

There was a variety of draught beers on sale at the bar, as well as cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks. After ordering lemonade with a sliced lemon and ice we were escorted to a warm and cosy dining room and given a table for two near the window.

The food is home-cooked from locally sourced ingredients. I ordered the roast chicken whilst Edward chose the roast beef dinner. This was served by a welcoming young waitress. It included roast potatoes, an assortment of vegetables and a large delicious home-cooked Yorkshire pudding.

It was a huge meal which we both thoroughly enjoyed, but smaller portions and a children’s menu are also available.

We realised when we ordered dessert that we were overdoing it a bit, but unable to resist, Edward ordered a chocolate fudge dessert with cream and myself a small banana split. They were absolutely out of this world!

The bill for the Sunday lunch dinner was £7.99, with extra for the dessert. Well worth it.

There was a friendly atmosphere in this busy restaurant, and I was delighted to meet up and chat with a dear friend with whom I had lost touch with over the last months. We reflected on the good times and what to look forward to in the future, making it an enjoyable afternoon.

One lady asked for a dinner to be carried out for her daughter, and this was immediately adhered to. Pensioners’ roast lunches are available on some days and are very popular. A Christmas menu is also available and nicely priced.

We were impressed with the food, professionalism and courtesy of the staff at this restaurant. They were keen to advise and help, and nothing was too much trouble.

Lowick is surrounded by beautiful north Northumberland countryside. It is an attractive and peaceful village and is an integral part of the local farming community.

There is much to explore when visiting Lowick. The Devil’s Causeway dissects the village at the crossroads, St Cuthbert’s Cave is a few miles to the south-east and Kyloe woods cover many crags and rocky hills, and is said to have the largest variety of trees in the world.